Crete Itinerary in 10 Days: Heraklion, Rethymno, Chania & Raki

Discover Europe’s oldest civilization at the iconic Knossos Palace. Led by an expert guide, step back in time to experience the daily life of the Minoans, with their groundbreaking innovations like central ventilation, indoor toilets, and a sophisticated sewer system. Wander through the ruins of this once-thriving city, home to 50,000 people around 1500 B.C., and reflect on its mysterious disappearance. Admire the intricate murals and feel the presence of King Minos as you approach Europe’s oldest throne room, all while hearing captivating stories of ancient myths, including the Minotaur.

Next, enjoy a city tour of Heraklion, where you’ll experience Crete’s original Mediterranean diet. Your guide will take you to hidden gems, where you’ll savor authentic Cretan herbal tea with thyme-infused honey, local dishes, and handpicked wines, all amidst the city’s stunning scenery. This sensory journey offers a perfect blend of history, mythology, and the true flavors of Crete.

Inclusions

• Approx. 5-hour private experience
• Hotel pick-up and drop-off (vehicle)
• Private services of a local guide
• Food tastings (can replace lunch)
• Entrance fees

What to bring with you

• Comfortable shoes and clothes
• Camera
• Hat
• Sunscreen

Special Note: Please let us know of any dietary requirements or restrictions upon booking.

Discover the authentic charm of Crete on a tour through the villages of Heraklion’s mainland and the Lasithi Plateau. The experience begins in small, traditional villages where life moves at a slower pace. Walk through quiet streets, stop for a local coffee and hear stories that reflect everyday Cretan culture and local traditions.

Continue to the Lasithi Plateau, known for its windmills and fertile landscapes, set against a backdrop of mountains. Enjoy panoramic views and time to explore the area’s historic touches and rural character, with opportunities to experience Cretan life through farm visits or traditional craft demonstrations.

The day is completed with a homemade-style meal at a rustic taverna, bringing the focus back to Crete’s culinary heritage. This experience combines village atmosphere, natural scenery and cultural context in a relaxed, well-rounded outing.

Special Note: Please let us know of any dietary requirements or restrictions upon booking.

Inclusions

• Approx. 6-hour private experience
• Hotel pick-up and drop-off (vehicle)
• Private services of an English-speaking driver/escort
• Bottled water per person
• All tasting fees
• Traditional Cretan lunch

Want to experience this breathtaking island from a completely new perspective? Step aboard your own private plane and feel the thrill of soaring above Crete’s dramatic coastline and mountain ranges. Along the way, you can pick up flying tips from world-class pilots and, if conditions allow, they may even let you take the controls for a brief moment. With the endless blue stretching beneath you and the sun lighting up the landscape, you will have countless chances to capture truly Instagram-worthy shots over some of the most beautiful locations on Earth.

Choose the route that best matches your dreams and let the scenery unfold beneath you:
• West Coast Tour: A sweeping panorama of Rethymno, Chania, Balos, Falassarna, Elafonisos, the Samaria Gorge, Frangokastelo, and the fertile Messara plain, showcasing wild beaches, towering cliffs, and dramatic ravines. (185 miles – Flight Duration: around 2 hours)
• East Coast Tour: A spectacular route over the Messara plain, the rugged South Coast, the golden shores of Chrissi Island, and the iconic seascapes of Vai, Agios Nikolaos, Elounda, and Chersonissos. (145 miles – Flight Duration: around 1 ½ hours)
• Santorini Tour: A breathtaking flight above the world-famous caldera of Santorini, where tiny whitewashed houses cling to the cliffs and the volcanic landscape meets the deep blue Aegean, offering unforgettable views and photographs to treasure. (150 miles – Flight Duration: around 1 hour & 40 min)

*Up to two persons /per plane – Only one is going to fly the plane

Inclusions

• Approx. 3 to 5-hour private experience (depending on the starting area)
• Hotel pick-up and drop-off (vehicle)
• Private services of an English speaking professional trainer-pilot
• Water

What to bring with you

• Comfortable shoes
• Camera

Rethymno, is a charming town where history and culture come together in the most captivating way. With its well-preserved Venetian architecture, cobblestone streets and bustling harbor, Rethymno feels like stepping back in time. The town’s rich past, reflected in landmarks like Fortezza Castle and the old town, invites exploration, while its lively atmosphere, with local tavernas and cozy cafes, adds a touch of modern Cretan life. Whether strolling through its ancient streets or relaxing by the sea, Rethymno offers a true taste of Crete’s heritage and timeless beauty.

Savor the authentic flavors of Rethymno on this delightful culinary tour. Begin your experience with a private car and a professional driver picking you up from your hotel’s lobby.

The first stop is a charming olive mill, where you’ll tour the facility and taste premium Cretan olive oil. Next, visit a local winery to explore the vineyards and sample a selection of fine wines. Continue to a traditional raki distillery for a guided tasting and learn about this iconic Cretan spirit.

The experience concludes with a hearty traditional Cretan lunch at a local taverna, where fresh, local ingredients and warm hospitality create the perfect culinary finale.

Special Note: Please let us know of any dietary requirements or restrictions upon booking.

Inclusions

• Approx. 6-hour private experience
• Hotel pick-up and drop-off (vehicle)
• Private services of an English-speaking driver/escort
• Bottled water per person
• Olive oil, wine and raki tasting
• Traditional Cretan lunch

Explore Rethymno’s sacred caves on a tour that brings together history, mythology and Crete’s natural landscape.

Begin at Melidoni Cave, known for its archaeological significance and its tragic connection to the 1823 Cretan revolt. The visit includes context on its use as a sanctuary during the Minoan period and the events in which villagers sought refuge inside the cave.

Continue to Zoniana Cave, also known as Sfendoni Cave, admired for its stalactites and stalagmites and the impressive formations found within. Local stories and legends linked to the cave are also part of the visit.

The experience concludes at Ideon Andron Cave, traditionally associated with Zeus and known as a sacred site in Crete’s mythological and spiritual heritage. Throughout the tour, a licensed guide provides clear commentary that connects the archaeology, more recent history, natural features and the stories that surround these remarkable sites.

Inclusions

• Approx. 8-hour private experience
• Hotel pick-up and drop-off (vehicle)
• Private services of an English-speaking driver/escort and a licensed guide
• Bottled water per person
• Entrance fees to all caves
• Snacks

What to bring with you

• Comfortable clothing
• Proper hiking footwear
• Hat and sun screen

Chania (also spelled Hania) is a place where various civilizations have thrived over time. Walking through the maze-like alleys of the Old Town, past the beautiful Venetian mansions, fountains, and churches, will lead you to well-preserved historical monuments.

Chania is located on the Minoan Kidonia peninsula, at the mouth of the homonymous gulf between the Akrotiri and Onicha peninsulas. It was Crete’s former capital city (from 1847 until 1972). It is now Crete’s second-largest city, after Heraklion, and the seat of the homonymous prefecture.

Learn about Chania by strolling through its streets, visiting its museums, and admiring the various architectural styles that depict the city’s historical path.

Extra Ordinary Cretan Cuisine Cooking Lesson – Private

Join us for an immersive journey to a charming village nestled on the mountain slopes, where a true Cretan host, lovingly called “Uncle,” awaits to share his culinary secrets. As you step into the warm, welcoming courtyard of his traditional taverna, you’ll be treated to a hot cup of Greek coffee to set the tone for your adventure.

Get ready to roll up your sleeves for a hands-on cooking experience, where you’ll learn to make classic dishes like fresh tzatziki and Uncle’s renowned gemista, seasoned with a touch of gourmet flair. You’ll leave with skills to impress your friends back home with the flavors of authentic Greek cuisine.

As your meal cooks in the wood-fired oven, take a refreshing dip in the pool, soaking in stunning views of the valleys below. Finally, gather around to enjoy the fruits of your labor, paired with a fine bottle of Cretan wine that elevates every bite. This unforgettable culinary experience offers a taste of the island’s soul and a memory to savor long after you’ve returned home.

Inclusions

• Approx. 5 to 6-hour private experience
• Hotel pick-up and drop-off (vehicle)
• Private services of a professional guide
• Cooking equipment and ingredients
• Full lunch with bottled wine
• Dessert or fresh fruit

Travel to the historic village of Alikianos, just a short distance from Chania, beginning with a scenic drive through the green valley of Ayia and into the western part of the region. On arrival, enjoy a relaxed walk through the village’s winding alleys and local landmarks, with time to take in its character and stories.

A stop at a traditional kafeneio follows, where you can enjoy a Greek coffee or tea while a knowledgeable instructor shares local traditions and the background of classic Cretan dances such as “Syrtos,” “Pentozali,” and “Sousta.” The experience then continues with a hands-on cultural moment as you try on a traditional Cretan outfit, with each piece explained and linked to its meaning and history. A short photoshoot captures this part of the experience and the photos are yours to keep.

The visit finishes at the dance academy, where a skilled local dancer guides you through the steps of at least three traditional dances, with clear instruction and a friendly, supportive approach throughout.

Special Note: Please let us know of any dietary requirements or restrictions upon booking.

Inclusions

• 6-hour private experience
• Hotel pick-up and drop-off (vehicle)
• Private services of an English-speaking driver/escort and a dance instructor
• Bottled water per person
• Commemorative photos
• Traditional Cretan lunch

Today, you will have to say goodbye to beautiful Greece. Your driver will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the island airport for your domestic flight back to Athens. After arriving at Athens Airport, you will check in to your international flight and leave Greece behind.

As you reminisce about the fond memories while looking at the photographs you took and the souvenirs you are bringing with you, get ready to share all about your trip with your loved ones back home.